Recall 18V503 affects 1,256 2012-2015 Freightliner Business Class M2, Coronado, Cascadia, 4900, and 114SD trucks for tie-rod failure. Free repair at a franchised Freightliner dealer.
Freightliner is recalling 1,256 2012-2015 Business Class M2, Cascadia, Coronado, 114SD, and 4900 trucks because certain brake and front-axle combinations can create vibrations that damage the tie-rod tube. A tie-rod failure can separate the front wheels and cause loss of steering ability, raising crash risk; Freightliner dealers will complete the repair free of charge.
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What's wrong?
The tie rod assembly on the 2012-2015 Freightliner Business Class M2, Coronado, Cascadia, 4900, and 114SD is part of the steering linkage. It connects steering movement to the front wheels so the truck tracks in the direction the driver commands. The tie rod tube has to stay straight and intact while the front axle carries steering and braking loads.
In NHTSA campaign 18V503, the problem involves certain front axle, brake lining, and brake spider combinations. During braking, that combination can create high vibration through the front end. DTNA also found heavy corrosion and road salt inside failed tie rod tubes during its investigation. Together, the vibration and internal corrosion can lead to early tie rod tube failure.
There is no warning sign before failure. The recall information does not list a noise, warning light, or steering feel that reliably comes first, so the VIN decides whether this repair applies.
Who's affected?
Spans 5 truck lines across the 2012-2015 model years, all tied to the same tie rod assembly.
| 2013 Freightliner Business Class M2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
|---|---|
| 2014 Freightliner Coronado | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2015 Freightliner Coronado | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2013 Freightliner Cascadia | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2014 Freightliner Cascadia | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2015 Freightliner Cascadia | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2012 Western Star 4900 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2015 Freightliner 114SD | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2013 Western Star 4900 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2014 Western Star 4900 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2015 Western Star 4900 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2014 Freightliner 114SD | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2013 Freightliner 114SD | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2012 Freightliner 114SD | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2015 Freightliner Business Class M2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2014 Freightliner Business Class M2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2012 Freightliner Business Class M2 | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2012 Freightliner Cascadia | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2013 Freightliner Coronado | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| 2012 Freightliner Coronado | tie rod (steering linkage) |
| Units affected | 1,256 |
| Field incidents | NHTSA has logged 2 field incidents to date. |
The year and model narrow the scope, but the VIN decides. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific truck is included.
What's the safety risk?
A tie-rod failure can disconnect the front wheels and leave the driver without steering control, increasing the risk of a crash. Because the defect affects steering control, schedule the recall repair soon and ask the dealer whether the truck needs inspection before further use. Repair is free at any franchised Freightliner dealer.
What should I do?
- Check your VIN to confirm your 2012-2015 Freightliner Business Class M2, Coronado, Cascadia, 4900, or 114SD truck is included in this recall.
- Contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the free brake-lining, brake-spider, and tie-rod replacement that addresses vibration-related tie-rod tube failure.
- Bring the recall notice if Freightliner mailed one. If not, reference recall number 18V503 when you call.
- Avoid hard braking and leave extra room until the repair is complete.
- Call Freightliner customer service at 1-800-547-0712 with questions about recall 18V503.
What happens at the repair
At the dealer, a Freightliner technician replaces the brake linings, brake spider, and tie-rod covered by this recall. Parts and labor are free under the recall. If you've already paid out of pocket for the same brake or tie-rod repair before the recall notice, Freightliner's standard reimbursement plan covers documented expenses. Bring repair invoices and payment records to the service desk, or contact Freightliner customer service for the claim process.
| Reimbursement | Reimbursement available |
|---|
Timeline
| July 31, 2018 | NHTSA published the recall |
|---|---|
| September 24, 2018 | Dealer notification began |
| September 24, 2018 | Dealer notification ended |
| September 24, 2018 | Interim owner notification (was planned for this date) |
| March 22, 2019 | Owner notification mailed |
Frequently asked questions
What is recall 18V503?
Recall 18V503 covers 1,256 2012-2015 Freightliner Business Class M2, Coronado, Cascadia, 4900, and 114SD trucks with front axle, brake lining, and brake spider combinations that can damage the tie-rod tube. A tie-rod failure can disconnect the front wheels and cause loss of steering ability. Freightliner dealers replace the brake linings, brake spider, and tie-rod for free.
What should I do if my 2012-2015 Freightliner Business Class M2, Coronado, Cascadia, 4900, or 114SD is on this recall?
Check your VIN to confirm your specific truck is included in recall 18V503. If it is, contact a franchised Freightliner dealer to schedule the brake lining, brake spider, and tie-rod replacement. Reference recall number 18V503 and DTNA recall FL782 when you call. The repair is free.
Is the recall repair free?
Yes. Federal recall law requires the manufacturer to repair the defect at no cost, and Freightliner dealers replace the brake linings, brake spider, and tie-rod free of charge. Parts and labor are covered for trucks included in recall 18V503.
What is the safety risk?
The safety risk is loss of steering ability. For recall 18V503, NHTSA describes a tie-rod failure that disconnects the front wheels, increasing crash risk. If your VIN is included, schedule the free dealer repair before putting the truck back into regular service.
What if I bought this truck used?
The free repair still applies. Recall coverage follows the truck, not the first owner. Check your VIN to confirm whether your specific 2012-2015 Freightliner truck is included, then call a franchised Freightliner dealer with recall number 18V503 and DTNA recall FL782.
More information
| NHTSA campaign page | nhtsa.gov/vehicle-recalls/18V503000 |
|---|---|
| Freightliner customer service | 1-800-547-0712 |
| NHTSA recall # | 18V503 |
| NHTSA recall # (full) | 18V503000 |
Source documents
-
Download Misc. Document (PDF) - Download Recall Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Recall Investigation Document (PDF) (PDF)
- Download Owner Notification Letter (PDF)
- Download Owner Notice (PDF)
- Download Recall Report (PDF)
- Download Quarterly Report (PDF)
- Download Recall Acknowledgement (PDF)
This article is generated from NHTSA's primary recall filings and reviewed against the source on May 25, 2026. RecallNotify does not paraphrase NHTSA's consequence language; that text is reproduced as written above. Editorial standards →